News

7 January 2026

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva referred the matter to Petia Dimitrova, Chair of the Association of Banks in Bulgaria, following reports and information from citizens about problems with exchanging Bulgarian lev banknotes and coins for euros at commercial banks.

Among the irregularities reported are the charging of fees, the requirement for declarations of the origin of funds even for amounts under BGN 1,000, restrictions on the exchange of amounts, fees for counting coins, the lack of euro banknotes, and unilateral changes to ATM withdrawal limits – from 400 levs to 100 euros.

"During the first six months from the date of introduction of the euro in the Republic of Bulgaria, credit institutions shall exchange, free of charge, an unlimited amount of lev banknotes and coins into euros at the official exchange rate, and for amounts over BGN 30,000 per transaction, credit institutions shall exchange lev banknotes and coins into euros free of charge upon prior request made three working days in advance," Velislava Delcheva emphasises.

The Ombudsman reminds that the law allows the introduction of fees for the exchange service only after the expiry of this six-month period, and any additional conditions or restrictions introduced outside the legal framework are unlawful and inadmissible.

In this regard, Velislava Delcheva also draws attention to the application of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, the requirements of which should be applied only in cases expressly provided for by law.

With a view to protecting the rights and legitimate interests of citizens in the process of transition from the lev to the euro, the Ombudsman urges the Association of Banks in Bulgaria to carry out urgent checks and take urgent action, to analyse the problems that have arisen, and to express a clear position on compliance with the Introduction of the Euro in the Republic of Bulgaria Act by all banks that are members of the Association.